The shocking shooting attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has drawn sharp criticism from Indian ex-diplomats, who see it as a monumental security oversight. In interviews with IANS, KP Fabian emphasized the good fortune that spared President Trump, Melania, and attendees, despite one agent’s injury and the assailant’s capture.
Trump’s steady demeanor in addressing the media post-incident won praise. Fabian called for thorough FBI scrutiny of the perpetrator’s networks and online footprint to uncover any radicalization or foreign meddling. With U.S.-Iran hostilities simmering, some rushed to blame Tehran, but Fabian urged restraint: ‘No foreign agency links so far—Trump’s rational approach should guide U.S.-Iran policy.’
PK Sehgal, a defense analyst, underscored the attack’s severity, rejecting downplaying by FBI veterans. The shooter, a bright engineering student from a top California university, had amassed an arsenal including guns and knives, infiltrating the Hilton Hotel well in advance for a calculated strike.
Political backlash intensifies against Trump, branded unpopular for flipping on no-war pledges. Sehgal highlighted GOP rifts, NATO animosity, EU resistance, and ally distrust fueling the narrative.
Deepak Vohra, another ex-diplomat familiar with the venue, stressed it unfolded at a public hotel, not White House grounds. No protocol mandates hotel evacuations for events; the gunman exploited this, sneaking in weapon components. Detected by metal scanners, he bolted but was subdued by Secret Service units before succeeding. FBI’s role is investigative, not protective.
